No. As a private practice, we don't require a GP referral and you're welcome to self-refer. However, to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions you'll need a Medicare plan from your GP or paediatrician. See our Fees page for more information.
Yes. If you are Plan Managed, we invoice your plan manager directly. If you are Self Managed, you pay on the day and claim reimbursement through the NDIS portal. We can't provide services to Agency-Managed participants, as they can only see registered NDIS providers. As an allied health practice, we comply with all NDIS safety guidelines.
Make an appointment with your GP or paediatrician before attending sessions at Okey Dokey. They can discuss the Medicare plans your child may be eligible for. If you explain why you want your child to access therapy, most GPs are happy to write a plan, although it's at their discretion. When booking, let the doctor's clinic know you're seeking a Medicare referral, as they'll usually need a double appointment.
For psychology, a Mental Health Treatment Plan lets you claim up to 10 session rebates per calendar year. For occupational therapy, a Chronic Disease Management Plan (GP Management Plan) gives up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year. See our Fees page for more information.
No. With a current Medicare plan you're entitled to a rebate, but it doesn't cover the full fee, so there will still be a gap payment. The rebate amount depends on the type of plan and your safety net position. See our Fees page for rebate amounts.
As a private practice, we don't bulk bill. You may be entitled to a Medicare rebate to cover part of the cost. See our Fees page for more information.
We need to check that the requested assessment is appropriate. We need to meet your child to work out how many sessions the assessment will take. Some children take longer than others, depending on their attention span. We need to understand exactly what the assessment is for, as this affects which reports and letters are needed. We need a developmental history of your child, which gives important context for the report.
It takes a minimum of 4 weeks after the final assessment session to score and write the report. In most cases, your clinician will go through the report with you at a feedback session.
Not every practitioner is the right fit for every child or family. We match you with a therapist during your intake call based on what you tell us, but if they're not the right fit at any time, for any reason, you can ask to change. Likewise, if your practitioner feels another clinician would suit you better, we can arrange that. You can always talk to your practitioner or our reception team about any concerns.
The first step is to let your clinician know. If you're not comfortable doing that, email our CEO, Andrew Tompkins, at andrew@okeydokey.com.au and mark it "Confidential". Only Andrew and Raelene Dundon, our Clinical Director, will see it. We'll work with you to find a solution.
We welcome feedback and are happy to hear about any concerns. Please visit our Complaints and Feedback page.
Yes. Under Victorian law, registered psychologists (including provisional psychologists) are mandatory reporters. If, in the course of their work, they form a reasonable belief that a child is being physically or sexually abused, they must report it to authorities such as Child Protection. At Okey Dokey we apply this requirement to all staff. In most cases staff will try to let the parent know they are making a report, although they aren't legally required to.
No, not at this time.
No. Our practice focuses on assessment and therapy. Our clinicians don't take sides in custody disputes or make recommendations about access or custody arrangements. A psychologist who works within the legal system would be a better option.
We support children and adolescents from early years through to young people, tailoring our approach to each child's developmental stage and individual needs.
The first session is for parents and caregivers to share your goals and concerns with the clinician. This helps us understand your child's needs before therapy begins. Subsequent sessions then occur fortnightly.
Yes. We offer secure video consults so families can access the same expert care from home or school.
Sessions typically run around 50 minutes. Your clinician will confirm timing and structure with you during the intake process.